Son Heung-Min Applauds Palestine’s Grit After Stunning 1-1 Draw in World Cup Qualifiers
In a match that defied expectations and showcased the resilience of underdogs, Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min had nothing but praise for Palestine after they held South Korea to a dramatic 1-1 draw in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. The result not only stunned fans but also kept Palestine’s improbable World Cup dream alive.
South Korea entered the match as overwhelming favorites, with many expecting them to cruise to victory. The game, played on neutral ground in Jordan due to ongoing conflicts, saw Palestine strike first with a goal in the 12th minute. Son Heung-Min, ever the talisman for his team, equalized shortly after, but the South Koreans couldn’t find a way to break through Palestine’s determined defense for the rest of the match.
For Palestine, the draw was nothing short of monumental. It marked the second time in this campaign that they’ve managed to frustrate their more illustrious opponents, having previously held South Korea to a 0-0 draw in Seoul back in September. These results leave Palestine with a fighting chance to advance to the next round of qualification, a feat that would have seemed unthinkable just months ago.
Palestine’s Resilience Amid Adversity
What makes Palestine’s performance even more remarkable is the backdrop against which they are competing. The team has not played a true home game since 2019 due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite these challenges, they’ve shown incredible spirit and determination, something that did not go unnoticed by Son Heung-Min.
“I want to give a round of applause to the Palestine team,” Son said after the match, showing his respect for their effort despite his own disappointment at the result. “Seeing them work so hard, even in difficult conditions, is something I think we can learn from. I think they were well prepared and executed their plans really well.”
Son’s words reflect the admiration many feel for Palestine’s ability to rise above their circumstances. Their goalkeeper, Rami Hamadeh, has been a standout performer, producing a series of inspired displays across both matches against South Korea. Over the two games, Palestine had to withstand a staggering 32 efforts on goal, with Hamadeh standing tall to keep his team in contention.
Hamadeh: A Symbol of Perseverance
Hamadeh’s story is a testament to the challenges faced by the Palestinian team. The goalkeeper has been without a club for over a year due to the conflict, one of four players in the squad currently unattached. Despite these obstacles, he has continued to train on his own, often with friends, to stay ready for moments like these.
“We haven’t done any [training] camps. The [overseas-based] players haven’t been with us a lot of the time,” Hamadeh explained after the first match against South Korea. “I’ve been without a team for a year because of the war – the league has stopped in Palestine. I train alone. I train with my friends. [But] I have a responsibility to be here.”
His commitment and resilience have been crucial for Palestine, and his performances have inspired not just his teammates but also fans around the world. Hamadeh’s ability to rise to the occasion under such difficult circumstances is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the unifying spirit of sports.
What’s Next in the Asian Qualifiers?
The Asian qualifiers will resume in March, with South Korea set to face Oman and Jordan. Palestine, meanwhile, will look to continue their spirited campaign against Jordan and Iraq. While the road ahead remains challenging, Palestine’s recent performances have shown that they are more than capable of defying the odds.
Here’s a quick recap of Palestine’s journey so far:
- Held South Korea to a 0-0 draw in Seoul in September.
- Secured a 1-1 draw against South Korea in Jordan, withstanding 32 shots across both matches.
- Overcame the challenges of not having a home game since 2019 and fielding several unattached players.
As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on Palestine to see if they can continue their remarkable run. For now, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the unifying power of football.
Originally Written by: Gabriel Tan
